There are countless reasons that Scotland beckons to tourists from all over the world. First on many visitors’ lists would be the breathtaking scenery. If you have watched any of the Harry Potter movies, you have, in fact, witnessed how verdant and lush the landscape can be.

Did you know, however, that Glasgow, which is the largest city in Scotland and the third largest in the United Kingdom, is a particularly family friendly destination? It’s true, and not just if your kids are huge Harry Potter fans. In Glasgow you can find history, art, animals, wildlife, science, religion, and industry all in one great city.

One attraction that the kids are sure to love is the Glasgow Science Centre. This is no ordinary museum! The building, which is a gleaming titanium crescent, features 300 hands-on exhibits, interactive workshops, live science shows, labs, the amazing Virtual Science Theatre, E-Learning Centre and Scottish Power Space Theatre, one of the finest planetariums in the world.

For the movie lover, the Science Centre also features an IMAX theater that shows films in 2D and 3D. With a screen that is larger that five football fields and a digital 12,000 watt sound system, the IMAX theater provides a movie watching experience that is extraordinary.

While at the Science Centre, you should also be sure to visit the Glasgow Tower, which is the world’s first tower capable of revolving around a full 360 degrees from the ground up. The tower stands over 400 feet high and features a platform that provides a view of over 40 miles to the north and south. Breathtaking.

For a unique educational experience, the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art is a great place to visit with your children. The museum was opened in 1993 and stands on the site of the medieval bishop’s castle. The aim of the museum is to promote understanding and respect between people of different faiths.

Displays occupy three floors and are divided into four exhibition areas: the Gallery of Religious Art, the Gallery of Religious Life, the Scottish Gallery, and a temporary exhibition space. The Gallery of Religious Life explores the world’s six main religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

The museum holds regular family events, which include object-handling sessions and arts and crafts. Handling sessions are held most weekends from 2:30 to 4 pm, while the popular kid’s “Art Cart” is available all day, every day. Your kids will have so much fun that they may not even realize what a truly valuable lesson they are learning about the history of Judaism along with the world’s other major religions.

Don’t think the Museum of Religious Life and Art is up your alley? Don’t worry, there are countless other attractions to visit. In fact, there are such a wide array of museums that you probably wouldn’t be able to visit them all (although you’d probably have fun trying).

The various other museums within Glasgow include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, which features one of the finest collections of armor in the world; The Gallery of Modern Art; The Burrell Collection, which includes over 9,000 varied paintings, sculptures, and pieces of furniture; and the Museum of Transport, which attracts over a half a million visitors a year. As a bonus, most of the city’s museums are free to enter.

During your visit to Glasgow, you’ll no doubt be charmed by the local dialect as well, which is known as Glaswegian. Just watch out if someone offers you a “Glasgow kiss.” In many parts of the British Isles, this means a head butt!

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